Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:51:30 -0800
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: 16" wheel kit
In-Reply-To: <SNT141-w16F18112B6AFFE47470109A0D40@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
I too have the GoWesty 16" wheels/tire kit. Love 'em now with about 35,000 miles. Last time I washed & detailed the Vanagon, I DID notice quite a few rock chips on the rocker panels behind the front wheels especially, hardly anything from the rears, but moreso than with the stock 14" wheels/tires configuration. Guess that's a tradeoff (and one GW doesn't mention in their ad). A minor one in my opinion, but I mostly drive on southern California roads and freeways...depending on where you live there might be a lot more gravel and rock chips around. Also, my Vanagon is painted Pastel White, so super easy to touch up. If it were a metallic color or something fancy where it's very difficult to touch up, I'd be discouraged too. But the handling and the "look" is fun for me and never have regretted the decision, quite the opposite. So consider that factor on your choice of new paint: metallic vs. non-metallic...future little (unavoidable)
damages down the road and how to deal with them.
By the way, my van (1985 GL non-Westy) was originally dark blue....I deemed too hot in summer and the deserts of the southwest. So went with white. Again, never regretted that decision.
Rich
San Diego
--- On Fri, 2/18/11, Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
From: Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 16" wheel kit
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Friday, February 18, 2011, 3:57 PM
I wanted to mention that I am not in anyway trying to throw GW under the "bus".... GW supports me all the time with wonderful service. I am just trying to find alternatives now that I am restoring and repainting the exterior.
> Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:55:40 +0000
> From: fittdog8848@HOTMAIL.COM
> Subject: 16" wheel kit
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
> Hey everyone,
>
> Happy Friday!
>
> First YES another wheel and tire post. Yes I know 14s work great. But once I went to a wider tire and larger I will never go back as the ride is Amazing. I know folks use different wheel converts and I am looking for alternatives to gather information and make an educated buy.
>
> I am reaching out to the list to see if anyone else is having an issue with the GoWesty 16 wheel kits? The issue I am having is that the frnt wheels stick out way too far and spray rocks all up the sides of the van even with SA mudflaps. I do not want to get flares onteh fenders as I do not like the way they look. I don't think that dropping down to the 15s will help either as they are almost just as wide.
>
>
>
> Looking for advice and also suggestions as to what wheels 15 or 16 I could use instead. Should I go with Audi wheels and bore out he center for a better offset? Is there a way to fix the 23mm offset on teh gowesty wheels to increase the offset bring the hweel in further?
>
> and last.....If anyone wants a set of GOWESY wheels and Yokohama 215/65/16 tires let me know.
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
| 
